A traveller pulls his wheeled suitcase along a level platform by exerting a constant…
PHYSICS · Multi-part · AP · Physics C: Mechanics · Work Energy and Power · Work Energy and Power
Problem
A traveller pulls his wheeled suitcase along a level platform by exerting a constant force of 60N on the handle. The handle makes an angle of 30∘ with the horizontal and the suitcase moves 40m horizontally.
(a) Resolve the 60N force into horizontal and vertical components.
(b) Calculate the work done by the horizontal component of the force during the 40m displacement. State its sign.
(c) Calculate the work done by the vertical component of the force for the same displacement. State its sign and justify your answer.
(d) Obtain the total work done by the traveller on the suitcase and comment on whether this total equals the sum of the separate works calculated in parts (b) and (c).